No Charges Filed in Pittsfield Dirt Bike Fatality

by
August 17, 2024

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office has announced that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the fatal collision between a dirt bike and a truck on West Housatonic Street on May 25, 2024, which resulted in the death of John Tyska, 34, of Pittsfield.

After a thorough review of the investigatory materials, the DA’s office determined that the truck driver’s actions did not meet the legal standard of criminal negligence necessary to warrant charges. The investigation, led by the Pittsfield Police Department, revealed several critical factors that contributed to the incident.

According to the investigation, Mr. Tyska was operating his dirt bike at a high speed, between 55-65 miles per hour, in a 40 miles per hour zone. Moments before the collision, Mr. Tyska had reportedly run a red light on West Street at approximately 60 to 70 miles per hour, while being followed by a police car with its lights activated. This driving behavior was indicative of an attempt to evade the police.

The collision occurred when Mr. Tyska made a fast turn from Plymouth Street onto West Housatonic Street, leaving the truck driver with insufficient time to react. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:50 p.m., but Mr. Tyska succumbed to his injuries on site.

The decision to decline criminal charges reflects the findings that the truck driver’s conduct did not constitute criminal negligence under Massachusetts law.

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